Celery, raw
Develops the jaw,
But celery, stewed,
Is more quietly chewed.
--Ogden Nash (1902-1971)

Where Did Celery Come From?

America’s celery industry was spawned in the areas surrounding Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dutch farmers who settled there had the knowledge and skills necessary for utilizing muck soils (dark, fertile soils containing decomposed vegetable matter) to grow what is now a multi-million dollar crop. Most Michigan celery is of the green or "Pascal" variety.

Native to the Mediterranean region, celery in its wild form is called smallage, and it is grown to this day for flavoring. The Greeks called it selinon, and as such it is mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, dating from 850 BC.

A member of the carrot family, celery is first recorded as a plant in France in 1623 and was probably developed either there or in Italy.

Its seed was brought to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in the 1850s from Scotland, and it became a commercial crop there.

Celery is related to anise, carrots, parsley and parsnips.

Michigan’s celery harvest season runs from the end of June through mid-October.

Is Celery Good For You?

A natural health food, celery provides fiber, folacin, potassium and vitamin C. A two-stalk serving contains 20 calories and has no cholesterol.

Celery is a good source of vitamin C. In fact, just 2 stalks of celery has 15% of the vitamin C our bodies need every day for good health.

Celery has other vitamins and minerals too. In fact, celery is also a good source of potassium. That’s because one serving of celery has10% of the potassium our bodies need every day for good health. Way to go celery!

Some Facts About Celery

How to Select the Best Celery

It’s easy to select celery that tastes great. When choosing celery, look for green, crisp, and thick stalks with fresh-looking leaves. Celery stalks that are smooth inside and have a glossy surface will taste best. Next time you’re at the supermarket, choose some celery to take home and try!

In the produce department, you can also find pre-packaged sticks of celery that come in different sizes. So the next time you’re looking for celery, remember to try pre-packaged celery– it’s very convenient and taste good too.

How to Keep Celery Fresh

Celery should be refrigerated where air will flow around the upright stalks at temperatures between 32 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkling celery with water will help maintain its crispness.

Store celery in the refrigerator, unwashed and in a plastic bag for up to two weeks. Put celery in the crisper drawer and away from the coldest part of the refrigerator because it freezes easily.

If left uncovered, celery will lose moisture. To replace the moisture, place celery in a water bath for a few minutes.